15 Questions
What is the nature of the term 'political' in political science?
It is a multifaceted object with many different features and aspects
What is the primary focus of the essentialist understanding of politics?
The specific things that are considered politics, such as elections and government
What is the pragmatic understanding of politics?
An extensive vision of politics that is transversal to society
What are the three dimensions of the word 'political'?
Polity, Politics, and Policy
What is the definition of 'polity'?
How living together is politically organized
What is the definition of 'politics'?
All that has to do with political processes and activities
What is the definition of 'policy'?
The regulation of societal problems by government
What is the meaning of 'politique' in the context of political science?
That which relates to the government of a society as a whole
What is the primary aim of political science as an academic discipline?
To understand the political functioning of societies on a scientific basis
What is not a characteristic of social sciences, including political science?
Normative judgment
What is the focus of policy analysis in political science?
Policies
According to Max Weber, what is the importance of axiological neutrality in social sciences?
It allows for the analysis of data without value judgment
What is the focus of international relations in political science?
Power relations between states
Who is considered one of the founding figures of political science?
Aristotle
What is the definition of a social science?
The study of human society and social relationships
Study Notes
Introduction to Political Science
- Politics is a multifaceted object that is all about power and the relationship between those who govern and those who are governed.
- The definition of politics has two understandings:
- Essentialist understanding: specific things that are considered politics, forming a distinct compartment of society.
- Pragmatic understanding: a transversal concept that can be seen in various aspects of society.
Dimensions of Politics
- The word "political" has three dimensions:
- Polity: how living together is politically organized, including civil government, constitution, and political proposals.
- Politics: all activities related to political processes, such as campaigns, parties, and citizen expression.
- Policy: how governments regulate societal problems and propose solutions.
What is Political Science?
- Political science is an academic discipline that aims to understand the political functioning of societies on a scientific basis.
- It is not normative, does not say what is good or bad, and tries to explain and develop theories beyond specific cases.
- Political science is not:
- The discourse of political actors, meant to convince.
- The work of think tanks, oriented by ideological values.
- Political philosophy, which is normative.
- Political journalism, which comments on facts or current events.
Characteristics of Social Sciences
- Social sciences, including political science, have three major characteristics:
- Axiological neutrality: analysis without value judgment.
- Ambition of systemization: identifying trends, patterns, and regularities using theories and concepts.
- Use of scientific method: qualitative and quantitative methods, such as statistics, interviews, and archives.
Branches of Political Science
- Political science is a crossroads discipline with several branches:
- Political theory and political institutions (polity).
- Political sociology (politics).
- Policy analysis (policies).
- International relations (power relations between states).
- There are also different schools of thought and national variations in political science.
Explore the foundational concepts of political science, including the definition and multifaceted nature of politics, power relationships, and governance.
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